Politics will only heal if the political parties and government stand clear of the revolving door and shoulder political responsibility, Partit Demokratiku said in a statement. We need to fundamentally transform politics in Malta, the party added in a statement.

We live in a state where government and the PN Opposition have partnered with big businesses at the expense of the common good. Political responsibility and policies which benefit the public have become severely restricted by the political influence of big money.

“Partit Demokratiku again calls for the establishment of a Lobbyist Register and crystal clear legal amendments and reforms in party financing law, as well as whistleblower and Public Standards acts,” stated interim leader Godfrey Farrugia.

Partit Demokratiku condemns the financial benefits given to the Malta Developers Association from Civil Society government’s funds. This is reckless and irresponsible outsourcing of taxpayer money and services.

The eligibility criteria to benefit from such funds are mediocre.  In a mature European democracy, the MDA would be defined as a lobbyist organisation and not an NGO.

Partit Demokratiku called on the Commissioner for Non-Governmental Organizations to speak up and asks the Commissioner of Public Standards to take the lead in preparing a draft bill, so as to set up a Lobby Register supported by a robust legal structure.

Malta needs a civil society that serves its national interests